Orlando Ribeiro’s work on transhumant pastoralism in north-central Portugal: Guidelines for a research project on ethno-history and archaeology

Abstract

With very few exceptions, ethnographic data is hardly ever used as a framework for archaeological research in Portugal. However, the systematic work of Orlando Ribeiro (1911–1997) on the traditional forms of transhumant pastoralism in the north-central mountains of Portugal provides a unique ethno-historical framework for studying those practices in earlier times. Combining the abundant field observations and documentary analysis published by this geographer with ongoing archaeological and zooarchaeological research could shed great light on the long history of livestock management in the area. Some of the transhumance variables studied – ranges, itineraries, settlement locations, herd size, duration, community social organization and specific herding practices – serve as research guidelines for future projects. Due to unfavourable taphonomic conditions, zooarchaeological assemblages are scarce and poorly preserved in most of the territory, thus preventing any comprehensive reconstitution of past livestock compositions. This further enhances the importance of Ribeiro’s work.